Tributes paid to Ellon football coach

Tributes have been paid in Ellon to a football coach who was found dead after disappearing from home.

The body of Kevin Bartlet was discovered last Tuesday night at Tyrie, near Fraserburgh, the day after he was reported missing.

Sport in Ellon has lost a real ambassador. His passing leaves a big gap in the town

Jack Nixon
Sports Journalist

Police, who had issued a public appeal for information in their efforts to trace him, said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Mr Bartlet, 32, was an IT technician at Ellon Academy where he was a former pupil.

His grieving family said in a statement: “We would like to thank all those who shared the appeal and everyone on social media for the help received during the search for Kevin, our beloved son, brother and uncle.

“Sadly the search is over and we ask that we are now left in peace to come to terms with our loss.”

The tragedy shocked colleagues of Mr Bartlet, who coached the school football team.

An Aberdeenshire Council spokesman said: “We are providing support to staff and pupils at Ellon Academy Community Campus and our sympathies are with Kevin’s family at this difficult time.”

Football was Mr Bartlet’s great love and he was a regular contributor to the Ellon Times on the juvenile scene involving Ellon Meadows FC teams.

Kevin Wright, a prominent figure in local footballing circles including Ellon Amateurs and Ellon United, said: “Our paths often crossed at the Meadows on training and match days. We often had a chat about football, young and old in Ellon.

“Kevin always came across as a person with a zest and passion for football in the area and that passion will be sorely missed.”

Ellon Times columnist and sports writer Jack Nixon also paid tribute.

He said: “As chairman of the Meadows for three years I saw the quality of Kevin’s commitment to young people in sport, and in particular in local football.

“He was a warm, friendly person who related well to all age groups.

“Sport in Ellon has lost a real ambassador. His passing leaves a big gap in the town.”